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The Liberian Senate has mandated the joint committee on Ways, Mean , Finance and Commerce and Industry conduct an in-depth inquiry on the status and implementation of Section 4.4 of the Small Business Empowerment Act of 2014.
The decision resulted from a concern raised through a communication submitted to the body by Senator Amara M. Konneh of Gbarpolu County.
Senator Konneh acknowledged through his communication that Section 4.4 of the Small Business Empowerment Act of 2014 mandates that at least 25% of all public procurement for goods and services under the National Budget be allocated to Liberian-owned Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The Gbarpolu County Lawmaker added that this clause is a critical instrument designed to enhance Liberian participation in the national economy, boost domestic production, foster job creation, and build a resilient and inclusive private sector.
In his communication dated June 20, 2025 and addressed to the President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Senator Konneh expressed concern that more than a decade since the law was enacted, there is a troubling lack of public data or comprehensive reporting to show whether the 25% procurement quota is being effectively implemented.
He argued that the absence of transparency, monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms undermines the legislative intent of the law and may be denying Liberian-owned businesses critical opportunities to participate meaningfully in national development.
Senator Konneh further proposed that the Senate take legislative action by mandating the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) to submit a detailed report addressing the following key areas: The total value and percentage of public procurement awarded to Liberian-owned MSMEs over the past five years; A comprehensive list of government entities in compliance and non-compliance with the 25% local procurement requirement; the mechanisms and tools in place to track, verify, and enforce the provision; and The challenges and obstacles encountered in the implementation of this clause.
And recommendations for strengthening compliance and accountability going forward. Following Senator Konnehโs presentation, the Plenary of the Liberian Senate overwhelmingly voted and endorsed the request and referred the matter to the Joint Committees on Commerce, Investment, Ways, Means, and Finance for further legislative action.
However, the Joint Committee is instructed to conduct a comprehensive review and submit a report to Plenary with findings within two weeks.
